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 a certain  sense,  the  dispensation  of  mercy  to Mary,  by  conferring  through  her  hands  all  graces He grants  to  mankind."  How  consoling,  then, the  assurance  that  our  merciful  Mother  is  so mighty  and  so  loving  a  queen!

great is  the  tenderness  of  Mary's  maternal heart "that  never  was  it  heard  that  any  one who  fled  to  her  protection,  implored  her  help,  and sought  her  intercession  was  left  unaided." How many prayers,  petitions,  and  thanksgivings  ascend daily to  the  throne  of  this  our  exalted  and  merciful protectress! There is  not  a  cry  of  an  afflicted, struggling, and  suffering  soul  that  she  does  not graciously hear. Join, therefore,  confidently  in the  prayer  of  Holy  Church,  "Hail,  holy  queen, Mother  of  mercy!" Approach her  with  filial trust. Neglect not  to  honor  her  yourself,  and  do all  in  your  power  to  lead  others  to  do  her  honor.

Prayer of  the  Church  (p. 134).

Litany of  Loreto  (p. 322).

lorious Virgin  and  Mother  of  God,  Mary! Holy Church  teaches  me  that  despite  the glory to  which  thou  wast  exalted,  thou  didst  not forget thy  miserable  clients,  and  that  in  heaven thy mercy  is  still  greater  than  it  was  during  thy life on  earth. Therefore I  come  to  thee  and  trust